Hurley Park is where Campbelltown’s first water supply came from almost 200 years ago.
As well as history, Hurley Park is one of the largest in Campbelltown.
Being on a steep hilly rise east of the town centre, there are wonderful views to the west and south.
Then there’s a full cricket facility, with nets as well as an amenities building, and a football field on a lower level of the site.
The icing on the cake is a row of gigantic trees that provide shade and cool during the hot summer weather.
And while plenty of people take advantage of Hurley Park, most of that takes place on weekends.
Drive past Hurley Park during the working week and it’s mostly completely empty.
Now, two influential Campbelltown figures have joined forces to put on a push for an upgrade that could encourage a lot more people to use this magnificent open space located a stone’s throw from the city centre.
Legendary Campbelltown green thumb Tim Pickles and our man in Canberra, Dr Mike Freelander believe what’s needed to make Hurley Park just about the perfect open space is a a walking path and bicycle track.
For Dr Freelander, installing a walking and bicycle track around the perimeter of Hurley Park makes sense.
With a generous incline and stunning views over Campbelltown, the proposal would offer residents the opportunity to get fit in one of the best locations in town.
“This is one of the largest parks in our city, with tremendous opportunity to bolster physical wellbeing and social activities for residents, whilst preserving this remarkable greenspace, its trees and place in our community,’’ says Dr Freelander.
“Our region is home to young families, individuals who are fit and active and those who love the outdoors, and so installing a walking path and bicycle track at Hurley Park would cater to them and encourage others to bolster their physical wellbeing.”
For his part, Tim Pickles thinks Hurley Park is the hidden oasis of Campbelltown.
“It’s got 100 year old trees that most people have never seen,’’ he says.
“Someone had a vision, and they planted these, mostly native trees, hoping that one day their shade and grandeur would be enjoyed by people in the future.
“That time has come, we just need a wide path around Hurley Park so people can discover this hidden treasure.
“I can see hundreds of people using this park every week to walk their dogs, to enjoy the amazing trees, the views, and the tranquility.
“The soil here must be so rich and fertile, and that’s why the trees have grown so big, it’s amazing.’’
Dr Freelander and Tim Pickles are calling on Campbelltown Council to look into installing a walking path and bicycle track at Hurley Park.
As well as making representations to Council, Dr Freelander said he would continue to seek additional funding or assistance from the Federal Government.
